Chilled Gazpacho With Pancetta Croutons

Classic chilled gazpacho soup with crispy pancetta croutons perfect for a sunny afternoon lunch

To be perfectly honest, I’m not a big fan of tomato soup. However, a chilled Gazpacho soup has tons of flavor and can be very refreshing on a hot summer evening.

“I created this recipe while working at a Spanish restaurant in New York City and have made it over and over again!” Tara

There are two things I love about this recipe. The first is that it uses bread as a thickening agent for the soup. Meaning, I get to use up any stale bread I may have hanging around! Second, it’s easily customizable for guests because you can have them add their own toppings. This makes it great for buffets or small intimate celebrations.

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What ingredients do you need for chilled gazpacho with crispy pancetta croutons?

• Cucumber
• Green Pepper
• Onion
• Stale Bread
• Roasted Garlic
• Sweet Paprika
• Cumin
• Olive Oil
• Red Wine Vinegar
• Can Whole Peeled Tomato
• Salt and Pepper
• Hot sauce

Optional toppings:

• Cucumber
• Hamon/pancetta
• Croutons

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The Recipe…

This recipe is so easy, all you have to do is mix everything in a blender until pureed. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Pour into a container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.  Taste again for salt after chilling.

For the pancetta croutons, place in a cold pan. Heat slowly and sauté until crispy.

Recipe tips?

Tip #1

• You can add tabasco or your favorite hot sauce to add heat.

Tip #2

• To make this recipe more sweet, you can add cantaloupe and then puree it all together.

Tip #3

• You can add protein such as grilled shrimp to make it a meal.

Tip #4

• A drizzle of olive oil will add a richness!

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How can I make this ahead?

• This dish tastes better the next day. You can make this the day before and then pour into a container and chill overnight.  
• You at least want to chill this for 1 hour before guests arrive.
• For the toppings, you want to cook or cut the day of.
• When serving, separate the chilled soup into bowls and garnish with optional toppings.

Storing Tips?

• Store in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge.
• This recipe can be frozen and is a great way to get prep done ahead for parties.
• If frozen, store an airtight container for up to 3 months.

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